Pioneering Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos brings her bold vision to the New York apartment of Randi Charno Levine, former US ambassador to Portugal. Nestled within a BIG-designed tower in West Chelsea, the apartment blends art and living in a space crafted by designer Kelly Behun. Known for turning everyday objects into monumental art, Vasconcelos continues her tradition with this project, showcasing the remarkable sculptures that captivate and inspire.
A Harmonious Collaboration Between Art and Textile Artworks
Kelly Behun’s design perfectly complements Levine’s taste, creating a curated home that balances warmth with aesthetic restraint. “I had seen a number of projects by Kelly and her team and was struck by how they balanced restraint with real warmth; nothing felt forced,” Levine comments. Together, they crafted spaces that are both elegant and functional, designed for living as much as entertaining, incorporating the charm of unique textile sculptures.
For inspiration on how art transforms spaces, explore how Yont Studio reshapes Berlin’s KaDeWe with innovative art installations.
The apartment also embraces an impressive art collection, including works by Tschabalala Self, Jenny Holzer, Cecily Brown, and Hank Willis Thomas. It reflects Levine’s life in cultural diplomacy and personal connections with the artists, complemented by the presence of Vasconcelos’s creations.
The Loggia: A Canvas for Vasconcelos’s Artwork
The loggia, offering sweeping views of Manhattan, becomes a focal point. Here, Levine collaborated with Vasconcelos to transform the area with her signature vibrant textiles and sculptural forms. In 2023, Levine and Vasconcelos collaborated with American and Portuguese artists, strengthening their artistic bond. This led to the creation of intricate sculptures resembling palm trees, bringing the theme of a “garden of delights” to vivid life and showcasing remarkable textile art.
This space, with its columns and abstract sculptures, integrates seamlessly with the apartment’s interior. Vasconcelos’s unmistakable use of layered textiles, fringes, and beads echoes through the loggia, maintaining continuity throughout the home and emphasizing the allure of her signature art pieces.
Art Meets Atmosphere
“There’s an exuberance to Joana’s piece that creates a strong focus within the space,” says Behun. The installations become a captivating element as daylight shifts. At night, they transform, lighting up as if a piece of the vibrant Manhattan skyline resides indoors. “It so perfectly represents Randi, her passion for art, and her unwavering support of artists,” she adds, illustrating how the installation complements Levine’s personality and the expansive urban view with the unforgettable presence of Vasconcelos’s work.
Sources & Links
Source: wallpaper.com
Frequently asked questions
Who is Joana Vasconcelos collaborating with in Manhattan?
Joana Vasconcelos is collaborating with Randi Charno Levine, the former US ambassador to Portugal, and designer Kelly Behun to transform a Manhattan apartment with her textile sculptures.
What kind of artworks are found in the apartment?
The apartment embraces an impressive art collection, including works by Tschabalala Self, Jenny Holzer, Cecily Brown, and Hank Willis Thomas, as well as the textile sculptures by Joana Vasconcelos.
How are the sculptures integrated into the apartment?
The sculptures integrate seamlessly with the apartment’s interior, especially in the loggia, where Vasconcelos’s use of vibrant textiles and sculptural forms are highlighted, maintaining continuity throughout the home.
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